With a new poll out this week showing former Gov. Tim Kaine (D) running even with former Sen. George Allen (R) in a potential Senate matchup, two Virginia Democrats said Tuesday that they are banking on a Kaine candidacy.

Rep. Jim Moran told Roll Call that he hopes Kaine runs. He said that if Kaine does not announce soon, he would be &ldquo;on the phone to [former Rep.] Tom Perriello.&rdquo;

Rep. Gerry Connolly, who did his part to recruit Kaine during a speech at last month&rsquo;s Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in Richmond, reiterated Moran&rsquo;s hope.

&ldquo;More important than electability, this is a person of strong values, strong convictions, and who would be a really wonderful plus for the U.S. Senate,&rdquo; he said.

Kaine is on vacation until Monday, so no decision is expected this week.